Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2016

Proclamation 9425 of April 18, 2016

Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation has long been driven by the promise that
anyone willing to work hard can make of their lives
what they will, and ensuring opportunity is within
reach for all requires us to provide every young person
with access to a high-quality education. Our future is
written in our classrooms, and on Education and Sharing
Day, U.S.A., we reaffirm our belief that no matter who
they are, where they come from, or what they look like,
every child deserves an education that will help them
develop their unique talents and passions, dream beyond
their present circumstances, and unlock their greatest
potential.

Investing in the education of our daughters and sons is
among the best investments we can make as a Nation. My
Administration has worked to expand high-quality early
education--something that can pay off over a child's
entire lifetime--and we have proposed a plan to offer 2
years of free community college to anyone willing to
work for it, because in America, a quality education
cannot be a privilege reserved for a few. Last year, I
was proud to sign the Every Student Succeeds Act--
bipartisan legislation that will help prepare more of
our young people to seize tomorrow's possibilities. By
adopting higher academic standards, increasing
accountability for underperforming schools, making
testing more efficient, and empowering State and local
leaders to develop their own systems for school
improvement based on evidence, rather than impose
piecemeal solutions to serious problems, this law
provides schools across America with the resources and
flexibility needed for students to thrive. And earlier
this year, I announced Computer Science for All, a
collaborative effort to give every child in America the
opportunity to learn computer science, and in the time
since, a growing coalition of businesses, school
leaders, and State and local governments have joined
this initiative.

As we continue to build strong foundations for our
students here at home, we recognize those around the
world who are prevented from obtaining a quality
education. That is why my Administration launched the
Let Girls Learn initiative, spearheaded by First Lady
Michelle Obama, to help adolescent girls worldwide get
the quality education they need to reach their full
potential. Through this campaign, we are helping to
break down barriers for girls across the globe and
working to shift attitudes and beliefs, affirm the
inherent dignity and worth of every child, and harness
the power of our society to rise above our present
obstacles to forge the future we know is possible.

The advances we have made in education are a result of
the many educators, administrators, and advocates who
have opened the doors of opportunity for countless
young people. Today, we pay special tribute to Rabbi
Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, for
his tireless devotion to extending access to education
to more people--regardless of their gender or
background. The Rebbe's lifetime of contribution
imparts a reminder of the tremendous importance of
making sure every child has the tools and resources
they need to grow, flourish, and pursue their dreams.
On this day, let us carry forward the Rebbe's legacy by
recognizing the limitless

potential of each young person and empowering the next
generation to lead our country, and our world, toward
an ever brighter tomorrow.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim April 19, 2016, as
Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A. I call upon all
Americans to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and fortieth.